280CE - Sunroof problems

[david329]

Hi there,
Firstly I have just bought a beautiful 1984 280ce here in the UK. This is my first Merc and so far so good - great engine and classic styling. I can now see why you all love them so much!
Anyway, there are a few things that I wish to tinker with one of them being the electric sunroof - the motor seems fine but the roof sticks after about 5-10cm and will not retract any further (the samer happens when trying to do it manually from the boot).
Does anyone know the right way to dismantle the mechanism so that I can get in there and have a look? Has anyone had this problem before?

Many thanks

David
1984 280CE

 

[andy_k]

I don't think there is an easy way to "fix" the sunroof. If it's sticking, then I suspect either the cables or the guides are in need of attention/replacement and that's wher it gets messy

Someone else correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have to remove the entire headlining from the car to get at the mechanism (aside from the motor in the boot which you have already tried).

Has anyone had this problem before? Yes we did with our W123, it got stuck open, the cable actually snapped so we had to close the roof manually without the aid of the winder in the boot (there's a strengthening strut running across the centre of the roof panel which with the aid of a large block of wood and a hammer we used to move it. after that the roof stayed closed. a local independent wouldn't touch it and the dealers said it was uneconomical to repair on an older car - muttering about 10 hours labour as a starting point

sorry to be the bearer of bad news and hopefully someone else will be able to offer more optimistic advice.

Andy

 

[Andy]

Hi

You could try adjusting the clutch on the motor. There is a white plastic knob on the motor, flick this off. Underneath you will find a 17mm nut. I think from memory there is a screw driver end in the motor. Anyway what you need to do is slacken the nut and wind the screw out to tighten aginst the nut. Have a look you will see what I am talking about. What you need to do is tighten either the nut or wind the thread bolt out to tighten a clutch inside the motor.

Its soo long since we had to do one I forgotton quite how.


Good luck anyway. You won't be far wrong with the instructions above


Regards


Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[david329]

Thanks!!

Thanks for all of your help - I shall try the suggested fixes. Fingers crossed for the summer sun.

David